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We’re headed for another hot weekend of fun and frolic — and fireworks for those of you celebrating a loooooong weekend that includes the Fourth of July holiday. (What a marvelous idea. Note to self: Do that!) If you’re wondering what to do this weekend, we’ve got six fab ideas for weekend fun — from a super gyro fest to funnel cakes, singing politicians and the hot new “School of Rock” — plus a seventh for the Fourth!
1 SEE: Channel Jack Black’s rocker
It may be summer, but school’s in session at San Francisco’s Orpheum Theatre — “School of Rock,” that is. This musical theater version of the boisterous Jack Black movie, about a grungy rock musician at a swanky prep school, was written by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and writer Julian Fellowes of “Downton Abbey” fame. We’ve got a review of the show here, plus parking tips, restaurant suggestions and post-matinee dessert hot spots to check out, too. not to mention a look at other S.F. Bay Area offerings of kids-oriented theater.
2 EAT: It’s a bird, it’s a plane — it’s super gyro!
The nation’s largest halal food festival lands in Fremont this Saturday and it’s bigger than ever — probably because it’s so damn delicious. Halal Fest brings together chefs and food-truck vendors who specialize in Indian, Pakistani, Middle Eastern, Arab, Mediterranean, African and American cuisines. Check out the food carts brimming with brisket, chaat, gyros, tacos and more, plus live entertainment and carnival rides.
3 SEE: Modern politics, musical style?
Catchy songs, timely comedy and Hillary Clinton belting a show-stopping number on stage? (Well, OK, someone who plays Clinton, that is). San Francisco’s Curran theater is staging the bold new “Soft Power,” a play-with-a musical by the A-List duo of David Henry Hwang (“M. Butterfly”) and composer Jeanine Tesori (“Fun Home”). Here’s what you need to know before you go.
4 PLAY: Giant Dipper and funnel cakes
The temperature’s rising here in the city and ‘burbs, so head for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk instead, where splashy waves and fast rides keep things cool. Ride the Giant Dipper, sample the funnel cakes, check out the beer stands and don’t miss these fun things. And on Fridays, the Boardwalk hosts free concerts (such as Los Lobos, on tap for this week). We’ve got details on this and other free concerts in the Bay Area here.
5 HEAR: Awesome concerts from rock icons and of-the-moment hitmakers
If you want our advice (and since you are here, you are going to get it), just act as if the weekend is starting right the heck now and rolling through next week, because there’s enough amazing music going on to carry you straight through. You can start with The Go-Go’s on June 28, catch the super-talented “New Rules” pop singer Dua Lipa on June 30 and galavant into next week on the classic tunes of the Grateful Dead, courtesy of Dead & Company (featuring Bob Weir and John Mayer). Jim Harrington’s got the rundown here. Or, if you’re a punk/New Wave fan who also happens to love burgers and beer, head to Oakland for the Burger Boogaloo festival, featuring Devo and the Damned.
6 SEE: Women wrasslers in one of TV’s better comedies
“GLOW,” a Netflix series depicting a league of female professional wrestlers (The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling) continues to show surprising depth and heart as it suplexes into Season 2, says our critic Chuck Barney. Yes, the show follows a group of women who dress up in eye-popping outfits and toss each other around the ring, largely for the entertainment of men, but there is a #TimesUp element that adds to “Glow’s” charm. See for yourself when Netflix unleashes Season 2 on June 29.
7 PLAY: The Fab Fourth
From Alameda to Santa Clara and San Francisco, nearly every Bay Area city is hosting a parade, community picnic, firecracker run and other patriotic festivities. Find all the details on this big city-by-city schedule. As for the grand fireworks, have you considered watching all that snap-crackle-pop upside down, in a kayak or with a symphony? Here are seven particularly cool viewing spots. Of course, it wouldn’t be a summer holiday without some fab barbecue bites and treats. You’ll find five sensational Fourth of July dessert ideas and some BBQ inspiration here.
